Help celebrate your local NHS heroes

Do you know an NHS hospital hero who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, who deserves special recognition? Now is your chance to recognise and celebrate their efforts and pay your own tribute in the ‘Patient Choice’ category in this year’s Celebration of Achievement Awards.

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is appealing to the public to nominate a staff member or team from their local hospitals or community services who has provided an exceptionally caring, supportive, and compassionate service to patients, their families, and their friends.

Simon Morritt, Chief Executive, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, said: “Every day in the NHS, dedicated teams and individuals go to extraordinary lengths to provide exceptional care and fantastic services.  Our Celebration of Achievement Awards have become a valuable and highly regarded way of honouring colleagues who have excelled in their achievements and service for the Trust.

“This award gives the public the opportunity to tell us their stories and say, 'thank you' by recognising the outstanding care, treatment and kindness freely given, when they needed it the most.”

Last year’s winner Jessica Jones, Occupational Therapist, York Hospital, was applauded for her efforts at a ceremony at The Spa, Scarborough.  Jess made a real difference and enduring impression for her kindness shown to a family who had just lost their mum.

Jess received the award from Dawn Parkes, Interim Chief Nurse, for her kindness shown to a family. 

Dawn explained: “Jess's extraordinary care was truly commendable.  When it became clear that their mother's passing was imminent, Jess made a remarkable decision to stay by the side of one of the patient's daughters, offering comfort during their difficult time.  Not stopping there, Jess arranged for a taxi and personally accompanied the daughter back home.  She then took on the task of breaking the news to the family members who were abroad at the time. Jess left them a heartfelt sympathy note. The family's gratitude for Jess's exceptional actions in their darkest hour is a testament to her.”

Nominations for the Trust’s Celebration of Achievement Awards are now open until Friday 17 May.  Nominations can be submitted online https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/online-forms/celebration-of-achievement-2024-patient-choice-award/.

Simon added: “After another challenging year for the NHS, it’s even more important this year to share, celebrate and recognise excellent work.”